[Federal Register: February 9, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 26)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 6220]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09fe99-7]


[[Page 6220]]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-99-004]

 
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, 
Morehead City, NC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Beaufort & Morehead Railroad Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal 
Waterway (ICW), mile 203.8, in Morehead City, North Carolina. Beginning 
February 22, 1999, through February 28, 1999, this deviation allows the 
bridge to remain closed to navigation between the hours of 7 a.m. to 12 
noon; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The closure is necessary to facilitate the 
rehabilitation of the bridge's bascule span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on February 22, 1999 
until 5 p.m. on February 28, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann B. Deaton, Bridge Administrator, 
Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Beaufort & Morehead Railroad Bridge is 
owned and operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation 
(NCDOT). The current regulations in Title 33 Code of Federal 
Regulations, Section 117.5 require the draw to open promptly and fully 
upon signal for the passage of vessels.
    In May 1998, the Coast Guard approved the rehabilitation work of 
the bridge for structural repairs. On December 16, 1998, the Coast 
Guard received a request from McLean Contracting Company, contractors 
for NCDOT, to schedule daytime closures of the bridge to facilitate the 
ongoing rehabilitation of the railroad bridge.
    The Coast Guard has advised the local Coast Guard units, including 
MSO Wilmington and Group Fort Macon, of the bridge's closure on the 
requested times and dates, and they did not object. The Coast Guard 
will inform the commercial/recreational users of the waterway of the 
bridge closure in the weekly Notice to Mariners so that these vessels 
can arrange their transits to avoid being temporarily impacted by this 
deviation.
    Beginning February 22, 1999, through February 28, 1999, this 
deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation between the 
hours of 7 a.m. to 12 noon; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Dated: February 1, 1999.
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,
Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-3134 Filed 2-8-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M